The Acute Hematotoxicity in Cancer Patients Receiving Radiotherapy

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate factors associated with hematotoxicity during radiotherapy.

Patients and methods: Data of cancer patients, including age, sex, concurrent chemotherapy, radiotherapy dose, fraction, aim, fractionation and location, as well as baseline CBC were collected. CTCAE v.5.0 grade 3+ hematotoxicity was applied. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze associations between variables and complications.

Results: Four hundred ninety-six patients were identified. There were 9 (1.8%), 3 (0.6%), 0 (0%) and 23 (5%) patients who had grade 3+ leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia during radiation, consecutively. Palliative radiotherapy was significantly associated with grade 3+ leukopenia (adjusted OR 25.344; 95% CI 1.303-493.06; p-value 0.033). While pelvic radiotherapy and baseline Hb <8g/dL were associated with grade 3+ anemia, significantly (adjusted OR 18.479; 95% CI 3.999-85.381; p-value <0.001 and adjusted OR 45.119; 95% CI 4.952-411.079; p-value <0.001, respectively).

Conclusion: For radiation-related hematotoxicity, palliative treatment, pelvic radiation and preradiotherapy Hb <8g/dL were independent factors.

Keywords anemia, hematotoxicity, leukopenia, radiotherapy